Tassie is truly the heart and soul of the hospitality program and the Hart School. From the moment her students step into her classroom, they are treated like family. Her focus on creating friendships and helping students form genuine relationships with faculty, community members, and each other sets her apart from other professors who may emphasize developing professional connections. Tassie has built a community within the Hart School that is based on love and caring for one another, and it is a family that lasts beyond the four short years that her students spend at JMU. Her charismatic personality and genuine caring attitude make her one of the kindest people her nominators have ever met, and she always takes a genuine interest in the lives of her students, from meeting their families to learning about their hometowns.
Tassie inspires students to achieve both their passions and a successful career. Her journey through the hospitality industry is nothing short of inspirational. Throughout her life, Tassie has constantly made a living doing everything she loves: cooking, traveling, studying wine, and so much more. Through her relationship with students, Tassie provides valuable inspiration and wisdom on life, inspiring students to tackle their biggest challenges in life while maintaining a positive attitude and perspective along the way.
Tassie is one of the most effective teachers I have ever had. Fueled by her passion and extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, Tassie's teachings provide a strong basis not only for the professional world, but also for tackling the real world as adults. Her teaching style is strongly based on the concept of collaboration and helping students learn to operate as a team. While other professors may leave student teams to fend for themselves, Tassie is always present and available to assist any student in need. In this method, Tassie balances the expectation of student collaboration with a mentorship style of teaching that works perfectly for her classes.
Tassie has touched countless lives during her time at James Madison University. She has had an impact not only on her students but also on the community at large. Her leadership has led to internships and job opportunities for many students, and her efforts have helped to raise the profile of the hospitality program at JMU. As she prepares for her retirement this fall after decades of serving the university, the "All Together One" award serves as a fitting honor for an incredible person.
In conclusion, Tassie Pippert is a living embodiment of what it means to live to serve, to love unconditionally, and to follow one's dreams. She has left an indelible mark on JMU, and her legacy will continue to inspire students and faculty for years to come. Her nominators are proud to call her a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. It is an honor to award Tassie as one of 2023 JMU "All Together One" recipients.